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On “women’s rights,” the president drew applause when he said: “I know there is debate about this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous.”

And another applause line: “Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons.”

Echoing a message aides had emphasized in their previews of the speech, Obama declared that “change cannot happen overnight.”

“No single speech can eradicate years of mistrust, nor can I answer in the time that I have all the complex questions that brought us to this point,” Obama said. “But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly the things we hold in our hearts, and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground.”

Turning briefly to specifics, he said: “We will expand exchange programs, and increase scholarships, like the one that brought my father to America, while encouraging more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising Muslim students with internships in America; invest in on-line learning for teachers and children around the world; and create a new online network, so a teenager in Kansas can communicate instantly with a teenager in Cairo.”

Obama concluded with brief quotations from the Koran, the Talmud and the Bible – the holy books of what he called “the three great faiths.” Then he added: “The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God’s vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. And may God’s peace be upon you.”

The administration has been signaling a tougher line with Israel, and Obama made remarks that can be taken as sympathetic to Palestinians for what he called “the daily humiliations – large and small – that come with occupation.”

“So let there be no doubt: the situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable,” he said. “America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own.”

In remarks that will likely rankle some supporters of Israel in the U.S. Congress, he added: “Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel’s right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine’s. The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop. Israel must also live up to its obligations to ensure that Palestinians can live, and work, and develop their society.”

Barry, for all his talk (lip service) about energy independence, sure does a great "biaatch dance" for his Saudi patrons. Common ground talk regarding religion is just code for "stop funding Wahabism." However, since the Saudi's listen to no one it's all just political theater and Barry is the main puppet.

Well, they would be a tad confused after yesterday....he started off the day saying that he was reversing his position and would support Sotomayor.....and flipped back before the end of the day.

He did, however, reiterate his desire to see our country fail, because I think he has an unrequited crush on President Obama. Gosh, you'd think all the attention he is getting from Olbermann would be enough......

I am listening to the audio of the Cairo speech and our President is getting the warm and applause filled reception we have come to expect.

TalkingPointsMemo had a post up the other day where they referred to Limbaugh as Khmer Rush.

Well, I was watching some of Maobummer's speech....laffed a bit, then started reading bloggers comments on Little Green Footballs. (*400 post comments start being made around there off the top yesterday article)

Maobummer's funny, dictating how these head-loppers need to behave. lmao

CAIRO – In remarks being translated live for broadcasts and Webcasts in every major language, President Barack Obama said Thursday that the United States wants “common ground” and “a new beginning” with the Muslim world, where America’s image plummeted with the Bush administration’s response to the 9/11 attacks.

No we don't. We don't want any of the stuff you're trying to shove down our throats.

In fact, why don't you stay over there and be "king" like you wish to be over here.

Dramatic and historic speech. You make us proud Mr President. Godspeed. You have a difficult task of reminding the world that the USA isn't in a Holy War with Islam. You will have to demonstrate and do your best to reset the rhetoric. I pray for you and your safety and for our world.

Well, lets face it...in the Arab world they have extremist who undermine progression and civility. Here in the US we have neo-cons and far right wingers. Since the beginning of time you have always had evil to combat good.

Nice speech. But it don't mean diddly to Hezbollah, Iran, Al-Q, Taliban or the millions of other Muslims who want to see Israel and the US destroyed. Do you so-called liberals have any plan for going after jihadists? Or are you all going to stick to the Blame Bush Doctrine?

He spoke about the high aspiration of civility and tolerance while quoting the bible, koran and the toura. What in particular do you think he should have said and what opportunity did he miss? Or are you just complaining?